For the sixth year in a row, Finland is the world’s happiest country!

This is according to the World Happiness Report rankings based largely on life evaluations from the Gallup World Poll.

The Nordic country and its neighbors Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway all score very well on the measures the report uses to explain its findings:

Healthy life expectancy,

GDP per capita,

Social support,

Low corruption,

Generosity in a community where people look after each other,

And freedom to make key life decisions.

But since we can’t all move to Finland, is there something other societies can learn from these rankings?

“Is it, are they doing things that we wish we’d seen before and we can start doing? (CNN)

 

The great thing about walking as your chosen exercise is that you can do it all your life.

And, of course, it is a good cardio workout.

It is the one exercise most people can do regardless of age.

So, if you are a senior citizen, you can still begin walking.

Do you have someone who would walk with you?

If so, a walking partner could give you the motivation to walk on those days when you need some prompting.

Even if you don’t have a partner, there is feeling of accomplishment after each walk.

Try it. You’ll like it.

If not today, when?

Do something that requires some physical effort.

In the photo above, a homeowner is cleaning out his garage.

The result is the feeling of accomplishment.

We all need a feeling of accomplishment periodically.

And physical effort gives the tangible results we’re looking for.

Another benefit is that most of us could always use some physical exercise.

Do something this weekend that gives you that sense of accomplishment!

If not today, when?

YES!

What are the benefits to them?

Less IDLE TIME-If they’re working on a job, they have less time to waste on social media.

DEVELOP THE DISCIPLINE required to get to work on time and abide by company rules.

GET AN INSIDE GLIMPSE of how a business operates.

PRACTICE COURTESY TO CUSTOMERS and, hopefully, use more courtesy in their personal life.

MAKE MONEY and learn the importance of saving their money and spending it judiciously.

LEARN HOW TO  PERFORM DURING AN INTERVIEW to be hired successfully.

HAVING A JOB LEADS TO MATURITY because of the responsibility gained through employment.

A STRONGER RESUME’ upon graduation from high school or college.

Parenting is a difficult FULL TIME JOB!

Here are some ideas for your consideration:

As parents, you must try to show affection and respect for your spouse.

Your example will encourage your child to do the same.

You must be prepared to discipline your child if behavior is unacceptable.

Today’s society frowns upon physical discipline.

You must be consistent with correction. What was wrong yesterday is wrong today.

Look for opportunities to give praise for behavior so that discipline is required less often. Try the 1, 2, 3 method.

Number 1 is, “I see what your are doing and I don’t like it.”

Number 2 is, “Stop is or there will be consequences.” Believe me, this is a tried and true method!

Number 3 is the consequence. One good thing about this method is that it can be done silently with finger signals in public places like church or out of the house.

If your child is of school age, you must keep in touch with teachers and attend parent/teacher day so you know what’s REALLY going on. It is easier today since most school systems employ email addresses for ease in contacting.

Talk and listen to your child regularly. Regular communication is vital!

If you are divorced or live in different locations, don’t criticize your ex-partner when speaking to your child. Always keep your relationship with your children at the top of your communication.

Above all, be sure your child knows the reason for discipline. When things calm down, try to take time to discuss the incident and reassure your love for them.

Have you taken a hard look at your present job?

What is its potential for future growth?

Does your present superior realize the contribution you make to the company?

Are your present earnings adequate to cover your expenses?

What future earnings will you need for upcoming and anticipated expenses?

Have you looked into other job openings in your area?

Are you staying in your present job because you don’t like change?

Could your present job be phased out by automation?

Take the time NOW to evaluate these things while you are employed.

Try to look at your situation objectively before the pressure is on.

And, never leave a job until you have a new position

If not today, when?

Is your child positioned to compete for high earnings and/or a fulfilling career?

Is college his or her best path?

Should he or she learn a trade?

Could a career in the digital world match his or her skillset?

You should be discussing these alternatives with them.

Many high schools offer classes that can give your child a glimpse at various paths.

Hopefully, these classes can help your child make career decisions or at least pique interests.

College is not the Golden Door to success for everyone.

Success is not an accident.

It requires good planning.

Good planning requires good ongoing communication with your child.

If not today, when?

What you eat has a big impact on your heath.

You don’t have to be a jogger to be healthy.

I think we all know what the healthy foods are.

So, why don’t we eat them more often?

Maybe we’re binge eaters.

We can’t allow our emotions determine what we will eat.

But, we often do that.

Sometimes, it helps to have a partner join you in a healthy eating program.

You can become a healthier person by eating healthy foods.

If not today, when.

Move your clocks ahead one hour.

Both your computer and cellphone have already moved ahead automatically.

We are now on Daylight Saving Time.

It is said that our bodies need to adjust to this one hour change.

By moving ahead, we lose one hour today.

What would you do if you could get that hour back?

Which calls for the question, do you spend your time wisely?

The best way to spend any hour is to express your love for someone.

We need more love in this world.

And it can begin with you!

If not today, when?

A Ukrainian soldier says goodbye before going to war.

So many Ukrainian and Russian boys have died.

They are dying in a war that is so unnecessary.

It’s always the young boys who pay the price for an old man’s bad judgement.

It’s always been that way.

I guess it will always be that way.

SO UNFAIR!